This Content Is Only For Subscribers
A new partnership between Wild for Taranaki and Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki will explore how biodiversity restoration can generate greater economic value for the region, following the award of $150,000 in funding.
The initiative has received $130,000 from Toi Foundation, alongside a $20,000 co-investment from Venture Taranaki, and will bring together conservation groups, iwi and hapū, businesses, investors and tourism operators over the next 12 months.
Linking conservation and prosperity
The project will investigate opportunities to strengthen both biodiversity outcomes and regional economic development.
Wild for Taranaki chair Simon Cayley says the work recognises the growing importance of environmental restoration to the region’s future.
“This project recognises biodiversity is critical to the future prosperity of the region, and will help us explore new ways to support that work, strengthen the resilience of the conservation sector, and attract new forms of investment into biodiversity restoration.”
Ecotourism opportunities
A key focus will be exploring the potential for ecotourism and conservation-based visitor experiences in Taranaki.
The programme will examine three priority areas:
Recognising the value of biodiversity to the regional economy
Opportunities for ecotourism and conservation-led visitor experiences
Conservation technology, education and capability development
The initiative aligns with wider work underway to develop a long-term tourism action plan for Taranaki following the region’s Tourism Summit in late 2025.
Visitor economy potential
Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki chief executive Kelvin Wright says Taranaki is well positioned to build on its natural assets.
“Taranaki has an incredibly strong conservation sector, a unique and compelling natural environment, and a growing number of organisations already delivering nature-based experiences.
“This project gives us an opportunity to better understand how those strengths can contribute to regional economic growth and support biodiversity outcomes at the same time.”
Kelvin says there is significant potential to connect conservation and cultural experiences into longer visitor itineraries.
“The ecotourism component is particularly exciting. If Taranaki is to position itself as a vibrant ecotourism destination, we need to think about how visitors experience the region as a whole.
“The opportunity lies in connecting our diverse conservation, cultural and nature-based experiences into a compelling multi-day journey that encourages visitors to stay longer and engage more deeply with our region.”
Looking ahead
The project aligns with the aspirations of Tapuae Roa, the Taranaki Regional Development Strategy, and emerging national and international approaches to nature-positive investment.
Over the coming year, the partnership will establish a regional working group, undertake sector research, identify investment opportunities and develop pilot case studies demonstrating how biodiversity restoration can generate environmental, social and economic value.
Kelvin says the long-term goal is to deepen visitors’ connection with the region.
“Ultimately, we want visitors to leave Taranaki knowing the stories of our people, understanding the value of our environment, and feeling invested in our journey to enhance and protect it.”
